For students of Class 12 th, subject change is an overwhelming choice. It can impact the board examination and career of a student.
As a Central Board of Secondary Education student, one needs to follow some strict rules, deadlines and procedures while changing subjects in Class 12 CBSE.
Let’s understand everything clearly from step-by-step process, list required documents, and highlight common mistakes to avoid.
Table of Contents
Can We Change Subjects in Class 12 CBSE?
Yes, you can change a subject in Class 12 CBSE, but it must be done before a deadline. As per the CBSE Affiliation, Bye-laws, the academic session runs from April to March. Since Class 11 and Class 12 are treated as two-year courses, students should choose subjects in Class 11 that they intend to continue in Class 12.
As per the revised rule, any kind of request related to change subjects in Class 12 must be submitted before:
- July 15: Standard/permanent CBSE rule
- August 31, 2025: Special deadline for 2025-26 session only
CBSE Rules and Conditions for Subject Change in Class 12
Understanding the key rules and conditions of subject change in CBSE Class 12:
1. Application Deadline
There is a timeline fixed by CBSE for subject change requests for that academic session. Students must submit on time to avoid any problem.
Remember, after the LOC submission deadline, subject changes are mostly not allowed except in exceptional circumstances.
2. Reason for Subject Change
CBSE expects valid reasons for subject change and supporting documents on time to complete the procedure smoothly.
3. No Unilateral Changes Post-Class XI Pass
The Examination Bye-laws state that a candidate shall not offer a subject in Class 12 which he/she has not studied and passed in Class 11, except as permitted under specified rules.
Also some rules restrict changes after certain cut-off dates. Schools must therefore check eligibility (prerequisite subjects) before initiating a change.
4. Documentation
Proper documents with application must be submitted to proceed the subject change on time.
5. Process after submission
Schools submit the request to the CBSE Regional Office to check and confirm.
Step-by-Step Process to Change Subject in Class 12 CBSE
1. Visit School Authorities
To change the subject in Class 12 CBSE, students must visit school authorities because schools compile all the information and forward the request to the CBSE Regional Office.
2. Submit a Written Application
Write a formal application to the principal. It should include name, class, section and other requirements like valid reason to change the subject.
3. Attach Supporting Documents
Attach supporting documents such as transfer or medical reason, attach the transfer certificate, medical certificate, etc with the application.
4. School Forwards Request to CBSE Regional Office
Later, the school forwards the request to CBSE Regional Office and waits to get final approval.
5. Wait for Confirmation
Wait for confirmation from the Regional Office and regularly check approval or rejection.
Once approved, the school updates the student’s record and ensures correct entry in the LOC and registration data.
Remember, after LOC change is mostly not accepted except transfer cases.
Required Documents to Change Subjects in Class 12 CBSE
Some important documents students required to change subjects in Class 12 CBSE:
- Application letter from student/parent.
- Class 11 report card.
- School principal’s recommendation.
- Identity and registration proof.
- Medical certificate/transfer certificate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid while Subjects Change in Class 12 CBSE
Common mistakes learners made while changing subjects in Class 12 CBSE includes:
1. Waiting too Long to Apply.
Waiting too long to apply for subject change in Class 12 CBSE students lacks the deadline which leads to rejection by authority.
After submission of LOC late requests are rarely accepted by authority. Students must seek the timeline online on the CBSE official website.
2. Ignoring CBSE Subject Combination Rules
Students who ignore CBSE subject combination rules lead to rejection. Students must check prerequisites with the school first.
3. Not Having Valid Reasons or Supporting Documents.
Students who don’t have valid reasons or supporting documents like transfer or medical certificate then change in subjects can be refused.
Conclusion
Changing subjects is a big decision but students have a chance to change subjects in Class 12 under CBSE, but it requires the correct process and within a deadline.
To do so, schools and the regional office play a crucial role by accepting requests, checking applications & each document to give approval.
It is important to note here that once LOC is submitted, subject position cannot be changed, and no new subjects can be added.
To know more, start with CBSE’s “Change of Subject” page and the Examination Bye-laws. The schools should also provide CBSE annexures and the exact SOP they follow.


